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Face of Essex rapist Colin Higgins, who asked his victim after the attack: “You’re not going to call the police, are you?”

Theo

A brutal rapist who asked his victim after the attack: “You’re not going to call the police, are you?” has been sent to prison. Colin Higgins, 54, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of the woman following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Essex Police received a report of a woman who had been seriously sexually assaulted the previous day. After attacking her, Higgins said, “You’re not going to call the police, are you?” before leaving.

On the day of the complaint, detectives arrested Higgins, of Copperfield in Chigwell, and he was later charged with the rape of a woman over 16 years of age. The jury found him guilty of rape.

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Higgins was sentenced to eight years in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday (31 May). The judge ordered him to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence.

After the verdict was announced, the victim bravely said, “I am pleased that the jury has given me a small measure of justice and recognition. I hope that this small victory can help other victims to see that there is hope for a conviction for sexual crimes, as I know the conviction rate for them is low. I am grateful to everyone, friends, family, police, all professionals who stood by me during this experience and helped me in any way.”

Detective Constable Lauren Whitewell, the officer investigating the case, said: “Higgins has subjected the victim to a horrific ordeal by refusing to acknowledge his crime and forcing her to go through a long process to seek justice. Her patience and strength have been the driving force behind this investigation and I hope she is able to move on with her life.”

“Our officers responded quickly and arrested Higgins within six hours of the initial report. We do not underestimate the effort it takes for victims of sexual abuse to report, but I can assure you that all reports are taken seriously and we encourage anyone who has been sexually abused to contact us.”

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There is support for all those affected by rape and sexual abuse

Support is available to anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse. No victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and genders across Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent of the police and supports victims and survivors throughout their lives.

Victims and survivors can self-report or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and have access to specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy. For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex offers an Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA) which provides support throughout the criminal justice process.

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/

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